mom and i sold houses together for over 22 years, until she retired in 2015. i have kept on selling houses. for sellers who are moving on, and to buyers who are moving in. real estate is such a part of our daily lives, that it carries over into everything we are. and it is of interest to so many people. so i thought i would start talking. who knows...i may actually find that i have something interesting to say :) www.tkmomteam.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Trulia has put together a list of 5 things that buyers hate about a
home. Sometimes, a buyer's complaint can be overcome. Sometimes, that
is not so easy. Sometimes, it is completely out of a seller, and their
agent's, control. Fortunately, a skilled real estate agent can help
minimize the negative impact of the several of the problem items that
Trulia suggests are the biggest obstacles. Interestingly, some of
these items are created by a seller's doing. While I am always an
advocate of loving your home, and living it in so that YOU are happy,
there is credence to re-sale. A dramatic design that varies
significantly from current trends and the norm, may be a big turn-off.
Even if you are not thinking of selling your home in the near future, it
is probably a good idea to take a minute to read through this quick
article.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The mortgage industry is constantly changing, evolving, adapting and adjusting. Not only the interest rates, but the programs and opportunities as well. One of the more difficult decisions some buyers face, is whether to take the traditional financing route of a lower risk fixed loan - or to head down the path of a less conservative adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). How do you determine which program is the best option for you? The best first step to take is to educate yourself - research the various loan programs that are available to you. Find out what your credit score is, and how that can impact your financing options. Ask yourself what your future plan is, with regards to housing - how long do you plan to live in the residence that you are financing? And speak with a loan officer. Someone who can interpret the programs, and explain them so that you have no doubt, misunderstanding, or confusion about which is the best loan for you to secure.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Considering some home improvements projects this year? Do you know which ones may yield a better return? And which may be more of a financial lemon? Check out this NAR article from REALTOR Mag. It's pretty sound advice.

I hope that there are some good ideas for mudrooms. My newly remodeled one needs some help after my lab chewed the built-in bench cabinet beyond repair...

In many parts of the country, the rental market has steadily picked
up over the past few years. There are a number of reasons people are
renting instead of purchasing. The burst of the housing bubble caused a
significant loss of equity in a home - which translates to a lack of
downpayment for many potential buyers. Other sellers were underwater on
their mortgages when they sold, and in addition to losing equity, also
had to dig into savings to pay the difference in order to close the sale
of the home. Distress sales have left potential buyers with marred
credit, in addition to the lack of funds to use to purchase. That
marred credit has caused mortgage investors and lenders to tighten their
strings and be a bit more cautious with loaning money out to
prospective homeowners. And then there are those potential buyers who
are "waiting in the wings" for the housing market to stabilize.
Renting, until they feel that the time is right to reinvest in the real
estate market.

All of these factors have helped create a rental
market with high demand in many areas. As the law of economics has it -
the higher the demand, the higher the price. Most markets have
experienced increased in monthly rents. Without a checks and balance
system, like appraisals in the buying segment, tenants are more apt to
pay more for, if a property is in an area that they want to live in, or
if the landlord is willing to accept the risks of a tenant's damaged
credit. With that being said - is it time for you to now consider
buying a home? Instead of signing another lease?

Is buying cheaper than renting where you are? Check this list to find out out...

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Remember the "McMansions" of the 1990's? Well they are back! Large
homes become increasingly popular in the late 90's and early 2000's.
Smaller homes become more popular in the mid 2000's, as the economy
suffered and the national real estate market tanked in many areas.
Larger homes equal greater living expenses - furnishing, landscaping,
maintenance, utilities, insurance...you get the idea. As home values
decreased, and jobs suffered, home buyers turned to a more conservative
approach, and focused on smaller houses. That trend appears to be
changing, as the average square footage of a home is on the rise - as
well as the amenities found in larger homes: more bedroom, baths,
multiple car garages. And the buyer composition is changing as well.
Buyers with higher credit scores typically manage their money well, and
can handle the expenses that are associated with larger homes.

Lake County Illinois Homes' Facebook Page

About Me

i am a mom. and a wife. and a realtor. when i grow up i want to spend all day taking pictures and then spend all night looking at them. in the meantime, i am going to keep selling houses. for sellers who are moving on, and to buyers who are moving in. real estate is such a part of our daily lives, that it carries over into everything we are. and it is of interest to so many people. so i thought i would start talking. who knows...i may actually find that i have something interesting to say :)